Get Started

The Esri Startup Program gives members access to Esri’s global user community - over 350,000 clients in 125 countries. Startups become Emerging Partners within the Esri Partner Network, which includes more than 2,000 partners worldwide. More than 350 startups from around the world are already members of this growing community, and we hope you will join us too.

What we’re looking for

Esri selects technology-focused startups able to articulate their product idea and product market fit. We're seeking startups who will build viable and high caliber solutions through adopting the ArcGIS platform. Consider how Esri can facilitate greater adoption of your solution.

Minimum qualifications

Build software products, as opposed to offering consulting services

Be founded less than three years from the date of application

Generate less than $1 million in annual revenue at the time of program entry

Align to Esri's strategic goals for the program

ArcGIS alignment

Esri basemaps included on presentation layers

Solutions developed using the most current version of ArcGIS

Use of ArcGIS as the system of record to store and maintain geographic information

Business practices

Delivery of immediate value by configuring first and customizing second

Creation and registration of web maps, apps, and content

Guarantee customer success and technology ROI through continual guidance and long-term support

Commitment to support the GIS community

Application process

Every two months, Esri reviews applications to the Startup Program. During this process, we may reach out for additional information or an interview. Near the end of each two-month period (February, April, June, August, October, December), we email applicants with the Esri Startup team's decision.

There is high demand for the program, and we review applications carefully with relevant internal teams. This builds a solid partnership to ensure mutual success, and accelerates your ability to develop and sell your products. If you have urgencies for us to consider, please explain them in an email to startups@esri.com.

Selection and acceptance

While you're waiting, we encourage you to sign up for a free ArcGIS Developer Subscription and explore our developer labs. The subscription provides access to essential ArcGIS tools and GIS software to begin your integration.

If accepted, you will receive a congratulatory email confirming your eligibility. An Emerging Partner contract or electronic DocuSign agreement will follow. You must sign this to be accepted. Once the agreement has been signed, submitted, and processed (~3 days to process), you'll receive the acceptance and onboarding details you'll need to get started, in addition to information about software, support, and partner benefits.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any costs or extra fees?

No. For those eligible startups, our program benefits are provisioned at no cost for three years. No program fee is charged, nor do we take equity for participation in the program.

What happens after the program?

After three years in the program, our goal is that startups will either graduate to the Esri Partner Network or continue as longstanding customers.

What if I need more software or resources?

Esri provides a variety of product offerings as part of the ArcGIS platform. Depending on your business vision, direction and goals, the program team will work with you to ensure you have whatever you need to be successful.

Are there additional benefits available from other Esri partners?

Esri aligns with some of the world's leading companies in our Global Alliance program. It's possible that we support startup benefits through some of those partnerships, like AWS Activate or SAP Startup Focus. Please contact us for more information or partnership interest.

Resources for startups

Take advantage of dedicated resources for Esri Startup Program members, including onboarding blogs, forums, news, and how-to guides.